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How important is 360 degree compression on connectors?

I've been reading about some compression tools having complete 360 degree support for the connector, which makes sense, and ultimately would be "best", but many good compression tools don't support the connector a complete 360 degrees, so I'm assuming there is some "gray area" there.

with PPC EX6XL connectors....shouldn't it be just fine? I can see how it's not completely supported 360 degrees with that toolhttp://www.pic2fly.c...1bC1sb2dvLmpwZwbut is that splitting hairs? I'm assuming there are really cheap tools that only support the connector on one side, and that may be where the controversy is from, but I'm not sure, so thought I'd ask here.

The tool "needs a slot" to get the cable in, and out, so how could one be true 360 degrees?

Compressing the metal parts of the connector will have the compressed part done all the way around.

I've used a similar tool to those shown and it did the job quite well. What I liked about it over another was how it supported pressing in the coax firmly, by its shape.

One that looked more like pliers was at 90 degrees and horrible support for pushing the coax fully in.

I agree about the "slot" that is needed for the cable, but there are models where the two supports spread apart when the cable is pushed in, and then close back up, thus giving it 360 degree support. Like thesehttp://www.ebay.com/...=item4abca2a558

I see what you are referring to but I really dont think it matters. When you compress the sleeve down onto the connector it provides 360 degree compression on the cable, I really cant see how 360 contact on the sleeve while compressing would make a difference. I have used this tool for years and have never had a problem with a connector:

I see what you are referring to but I really dont think it matters. When you compress the sleeve down onto the connector it provides 360 degree compression on the cable, I really cant see how 360 contact on the sleeve while compressing would make a difference. I have used this tool for years and have never had a problem with a connector:

Yeah, that's a very similar design to the PPC VT200, that I linked too, so I guess it will be fine. Maybe the 360 degrees being referred to is on the cable, like you say, and I'm reading into it wrong, and assuming they're talking about the support behind the connector, not really sure. I appreciate the input.

The point [and what impressed me] about your first link verses the eBay link/tool, is the curved end that fits in your hand. This was what "felt much better" as I used one over the other.Cramming coax into connectors all day long, I'd think the curved end tool would be worth it.

The point [and what impressed me] about your first link verses the eBay link/tool, is the curved end that fits in your hand. This was what "felt much better" as I used one over the other.Cramming coax into connectors all day long, I'd think the curved end tool would be worth it.

Yeah, that's a good point, and makes perfect sense.

With WildBlue, it's one connection at the dish, two at the ground block, and one more at the modem, so with a couple installs a day, maybe 3 when I get good, it's not too bad.

Not that I care for this typehttp://www.pctstore....US_p/9030us.htmbut the first line under "Features and benefits" is what I'm curious of the importance of:• "Spring-loaded cable positioners provide 360 degree support against the connector ensuring uniform compression while minimizing faulty connections"

That's the claim made behind all the 360 degree compression tools I've seen, so that's what got me curious. There are also thousands of connectors out there that were installed with tools that don't have 360 degree support, that are just fine.......so there must bne some really cheap tools that offer only partial support during compression, thus possibly causing non uniform compression.